Canberra Raiders set to extend Ricky Stuart’s contract

In a remarkable turn of events, the Canberra Raiders look set to extend the contract of controversial head coach Ricky Stuart, after a string of good results.

Canberra defeated Cronulla 22-12 in round 24, followed by a convincing 27-12 victory over Wests Tigers at home in round 25. This marked Ricky Stuart’s first back to back wins as a coach since Round 15 of 2009. Ricky added further ammunition to his case when his men ended the Parramatta Eel’s season with a 33-20 victory on Saturday night.

Stuart has been with Canberra since the start of the season, and looks set to lead the club for the next 5 years after the board exercised an option in his contract to extend his 3 year stay.

FMF spoke to a club official, who wished to remain unnamed. “Ricky has done a fantastic job in curbing fan expectation” he said, “Our round 24 clash with the Sharks was our spiritual grand final – we are an ambitious club and need to be competing in grand finals on a regular basis.”

The club aren’t worried about Stuart’s seeming recruitment woes either. “Over Ricky’s tenure, our fans will become to appreciate the little things in Rugby League. With the fans now expecting so little, every win means a lot for this club. Making the top 8 is a difficult task, finishing 15th is far more attainable.

“The club has fully backed Ricky’s 10 year plan, and we’re confident we will acquire at least one, or maybe even two State of Origin players in this time.”

FMF understands The Raiders are looking at a number of offseason recruits to bolster playing stocks, including recently available Tim Moltzen and Blake Ayshford.

The Raiders have called a press conference for 11 am tomorrow to confirm the announcement.